On Wednesday Feb 14th, Roy Joyner had the opportunity to present on “Music Therapy as a Career” to over thirty undergraduate music majors at Clayton State College and University. Many students were interested in this topic and wanted information on graduate programs with music therapy. Other topics addressed were:

The time line for becoming a music therapist, and what kind of course work was required.

Information about degree programs both in and outside the state of GA.

Equivalency vs Masters degree, and what kind of internships are available.

A snapshot of the day in the life of a school music therapist.

Roy said the highlight of the day was getting to spend time with one of his mentors, Dr. Richard Bell. He was Roy's first String Bass instructor and was instrumental in introducing Roy to the field of music therapy. While visiting, Roy was able to sit on some of Dr. Bell's education classes while he was helping students with writing objectives. Roy felt honored to be introduced as one Dr. Bell's former students. Dr. Bell has had a long and distinguish career and continues to influence the lives of his former and present students.

To prepare for Valentine’s Day, the music therapists (Kirby Carruth and Emily Minkow) from Holcomb Bridge Middle School and Centennial High School hosted their 2nd annual Valentine’s Social! With the support of the teachers and staff, the students spent the day making friendship bracelets and valentines, playing Love Song BINGO, having a blast in the photo booth, and more! The event ended with a quick snack break and an awesome dance party! This event continues to be a wonderful awesome opportunity for socialization, and something the students (and teachers!) look forward to every year.

Therapist Missy Worden and her students had a great Mardi Gras day in music therapy at Spalding and Woodland Elementary! The students enjoyed learning about the music, parades, and fun of Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. They wore masks and sang songs that incorporated social/communication skills ("throw me something, mister!") and gross motor practice (throwing beads to friends!) Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

In collaboration with Autism Speaks, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra will present the third annual Sensory Friendly Concert on Saturday afternoon March 3rd. A favorite part of GSO's educational and outreach program, this concert will give a broad overview of the great expanse of classical music. Sensory sensitive listeners and family members will delight in the discovery of an orchestral experience that invites and welcomes those with autism into the world of classical music.

Our interns have been with us since the Friday after labor day and are in their final stretch of internship. Starting today, there are only 7 more weeks left. We can't wait to see how our interns serve the students in the remaining month and a half.

On March 1st, Music Therapists around the world will be celebrating World Music Therapy Day. Music Therapists have the opportunity to participate in a meme creation contest. If you are interested in entering the contest, more information can be found in the document below.

Meet Lucas Warren from Dalton, Georgia. Lucas was just announced as the 2018 Gerber Baby. For the first time in it's contest, Gerber chose a baby with Down Syndrome. Lucas is already winning hearts through his infectious smiles and will be an inspiration for many to come. To see more about the contest, check out the Washington Post's article.

The Music Therapy Association of Georgia is inviting all music therapists in the state to a networking event, "MTs connect in the ATL". MTAG's hope for this event is that all music therapists in Georgia are able to come together as a state and exchange ideas as well as opportunities to students and new members.

For more information about the event, you can visit MTAG's event page on their website.

Students in music therapy at Love Nolan Elementary learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through music activities. Pictured is intern Reece Jennings under instruction of music therapist Joe Bailey, Jr.

On January 5th, as part of a professional development day instituted by Fulton County Schools, the music therapists convened at Centennial High School to brush up on their guitar skills. The class was taught by our own music therapist, Harry Lester, who performs professionally on guitar and teaches lessons on the side.

Music therapy students at Medlock Bridge Elementary participated in their now annual performance around the holidays. This year, the students were pitching movie ideas to Santa for movie night. Students played bucket drums, danced, and sang throughout the performance all while working on skills to help them through everyday life. It is such a great way to send off the students before winter break.

The students at Sweet Apple Elementary participated in the annual Holiday Program entitled “Kindness Everywhere”. The students were visited by the Queen of Kindness as they went on a journey to find 10 acts of kindness during the holiday season. From playing ukuleles to xylophones to singing and signing, the students did an amazing job with excellent success.

Students at Alpharetta Elementary School have hosted a special school-wide sing along for many, many years- and this year was no different! Favorite holiday songs included hits Let It Snow, Feliz Navidad, Sleigh Ride, and much more! This is always a great way to spread holiday cheer while welcoming the winter break.

Students from Alpharetta Elementary School traveled to Mayfield Oaks located in Alpharetta, GA. While there, students practiced their speech and social skills while interacting with the residents. They sang some of their favorite holiday songs, and even used stickers to work together with special buddies to build a snowman. The students and teachers look forward to continuing this special friendship with the residents of Mayfield Oaks and are already planning more visits for the spring.

In preparation for the holiday break, students from Alpharetta Elementary School traveled to Jackson Healthcare in Alpharetta, Georgia to perform some of their favorite holiday hits! During the months of November and December, students rehearsed songs that included playing instruments, following directions, impulse control and taking turns, and imitating gross motor movements. Their special performance even included a surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Special thanks to Jackson Healthcare for the continued support of our students and staff!

Under the direction of MissyWorden, Woodland Elementary showcased their 18th annual special holiday show, "Mistletoe & Merriment", on Tuesday evening December 19th. The show includes performers from not only Woodland but also Ison Springs Elementary and Heards Ferry Elementary.

The students begin working on their songs for the show as early as October. Ms. Worden carefully chooses each class's show number related to therapeutic goals she is targeting during regular weekly music therapy sessions. Although a fun and festive evening on stage, parents are also able to see gains their kids have made through music therapy in such areas of motor development and planning, vocal participation, socialization, and sequencing abilities.

Since the annual show typically includes a few Sandy Springs area schools, the evening tends to be a reunion and party for all. We love to see the pride in which our families show in celebrating their children's abilities through music therapy.

On December 14th, Hillside ES had their annual music therapy singalong performance, "A Very Happy Hillside Holiday." Over 40 students, led by their music therapist Ms. Emily, sat on stage together to perform a variety of wintertime songs for family, friends, and peers. Through singing, dancing, playing instruments, and utilizing American Sign Language, these students celebrated different December holiday traditions of various cultures. The entire Hillside community is very proud of the students who participated in this festive occasion.

On December 12, 2017, the students at Wolf Creek, under direction music therapist of Tasia Carter, participated in the holiday program “Holiday Windows”. Performance pieces included “Hot Chocolate” by John McCutcheon and “Comin’ Down the Chimney” by the Learning Station. The students worked on focused attention, following directions, and motor skills. For many of these students, it was their first time performing on stage with lights and costumes! The program was enjoyable for the students and families. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Our director and faithful leader, Amber Weldon-Stephens, was recently moved into the role of President of the American Music Therapy Association. She will be leading our national organization to advocate for our profession, as well as raise awareness about opportunities for music therapists to better the clients we serve. We know that Amber will be great for this role and cannot wait to see what wonderful things she does through these next two years.

One of our own therapists, Emily Minkow, wrote a grant that was funded by the Hillside Elementary PTA. She asked for instruments, decorations and props for their upcoming holiday show. Emily explains how these things will help students learn through music best in her own words: ​"There is a significant link between early music instruction and cognitive growth in specific non-music abilities. Through musical involvement in a therapeutic context, students are able to work on physical, cognitive, social, emotional, academic, behavioral, and sensory needs.

Research shows using music and rhythmic accompaniment to learn fundamental motor skills in an elementary school setting lends itself to more performance improvement than without the musical component. While rehearsing our dance movements, playing instruments, and learning our American Sign Language signs to songs, these students are working on both fine and gross motor coordination, and sequencing movements.

During the rehearsal process, students are provided opportunities to practice with an end goal in mind. The music itself, as well as the performance, serve as motivators to focus each student’s attention to the music therapist while also learning patience and perseverance, skills that will one day hopefully transfer to real life settings. Throughout this process, students are also working on appropriate behavior skills.

Additionally, the students are provided with an invaluable experience to get on stage in front of their family and peers and be successful. They may gain more self-confidence through this special, social experience, and get to show off their hard work. Many of these students are not given other opportunities to shine on stage, whether on an actual performance stage, or in other extracurricular activities. The families of these students also gain from this experience, seeing their child in a positive light, being successful at something they can do. "

Fulton County Music Therapists Joe Bailey, Natalie Generally, Roy Joyner, and Harry Lester presented to Fulton County elementary Music Specialists on strategies and adaptations for special learners in a general music setting. Contents ranged from characteristics and strategies of special populations, goals to incorporate the needs of special learners in the general music classroom, and adaptations of musical instruments for those with special needs.

Reece Jennings comes to us from Appalachian State and his hometown is Greensboro, NC. Though he's working to complete his BM in Music Therapy, Reece also obtains a BM in Music Education. His primary instrument throughout college was trombone, but he also plays bass, guitar, ukulele, and percussion instruments. Reece also enjoys using everyday items as instruments such as kitchen equipment, hardware tools, or even his dog (with no harm towards animals, of course).

Outside of music, Reece enjoys cooking, hiking, disc golf, reading and traveling. Reece was able to work on a farm in South Africa and played in a jazz band touring Europe.